Common European Scorpionfly
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Common European Scorpionfly
Panorpa communis
The Common European Scorpionfly is a unique insect with a long body and wings that look like a dragonfly's. They are often found in gardens and meadows, where they enjoy sunny spots.
Habitat: Meadows
Appearance
The Common European Scorpionfly has a slender, yellowish body with dark markings, especially on its clear, membranous wings which often have black spots. Its head is reddish with long antennae, and males distinctively possess a bulbous, scorpion-like tail used for mating, not stinging.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderMecopteraFamilyPanorpidaeGenusPanorpa
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female scorpionflies can sometimes mate with several males, choosing the best 'nuptial gifts' each time!
Some male scorpionflies will steal gifts from other males to impress a female!
Their family, Mecoptera, are ancient insects with fossils dating back over 250 million years!
Young scorpionflies (larvae) live in the soil and look like caterpillars with small legs!
Special abilities
Ability
Tail-Twist Attraction
Common European Scorpionfly males have a unique 'scorpion-like' tail (genital claspers) that helps them grasp and hold females during mating.
Ability
Gift-Giving Courtship
Common European Scorpionfly males can offer nuptial gifts, like dead insects or saliva, to females, increasing mating success.
Ability
Scavenger Sensors
Common European Scorpionfly can detect decaying organic matter using their antennae to find vital food sources in their habitat.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 9-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These curious insects mostly eat dead insects and sweet plant nectar, helping to clean up nature's leftovers.
Age differences: Larvae eat decaying organic matter in soil, while adults primarily consume dead insects and nectar.
Primary Foods
- dead insects
- nectar
- pollen
- fruit juices
- honeydew
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eats
Common House Fly
Musca domestica
Scavenges on their dead bodies found in vegetation.
eaten by
Cross Orbweaver
Araneus diadematus
Caught in their webs as they fly through undergrowth.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Foraged by birds as a source of insect protein.
depends on
Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Feeds on nectar from its flowers for energy.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Scorpionflies are safe to watch, but it's best to leave them alone and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common European Scorpionfly's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Common European Scorpionfly?
9-15 mm
How long does Common European Scorpionfly live?
20-30 days
What does Common European Scorpionfly eat?
These curious insects mostly eat dead insects and sweet plant nectar, helping to clean up nature's leftovers.
Where is Common European Scorpionfly usually found?
Meadows
How does Common European Scorpionfly hunt?
Scavenging
How many legs does Common European Scorpionfly have?
6
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